By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
The Benue State Government has taken action against Benedictine Order Academy, Nyiman in Makurdi the State Capital for not meeting approved standards.
The Director General of the Bureau for Education Quality Assurance, Dr. Terna Francis, sealed the school, citing various deficiencies such as operating in an uncompleted hotel building, lack of curriculum, lesson plans, qualified teachers, and running three different schools within the same building.
Francis emphasized that the school was not registered and did not have the government's approval to operate.
Benue State Government has identified 2,416 illegal schools in the State and is cracking down on sub-standard institutions to ensure the safety of children and provide quality education.
In addition, the General Manager of Benue Urban Development Board, Town Planner Tarnongo Mede, confirmed that the building was not suitable for a school environment and supported the government's decision to seal the school.
Meanwhile, the Founder of Benedictine Order of Peace and Unity Academy Foundation, Rev. Fr. Elias Torugh, acknowledged the deficiencies and indicated that they were working towards meeting the state's educational requirements.
Despite being evicted from their previous location, Rev. FR. Torugh claimed they planned to move to a more suitable location after the current term.
He also clarified that the school was associated with the Catholic Church and owned by the Benedictine Order, not linked to any specific Catholic Diocese in the country.
The school currently has a population of 942 students across nursery, primary, and secondary levels.
